Prospective pet owners looking to bring a dog into the family have been offered some top tips for choosing the bets breed.

Pet experts from Pure Pet Food have revealed six important factors which much be considered when it comes to choosing the perfect canine companion.

The amount of time you can spend with your furry friend and the activities you hope to be able to enjoy with them can all influence which breed should or shouldn’t be chosen.

If adopting a puppy is part of the plan, it must also be remembered that a lot of time and money will need to be invested into its training, as well as vet fees.

A spokesperson for PurePetFood.com said: “Making the decision to buy a dog can be very exciting, but a lot of time and research needs to be invested to make sure that you are choosing the right breed, and dog, for you and your family.

“Dogs are very receptive and can thrive in the right environment. However, this also means that they can behave badly when it’s not suitable for them. Different breeds are associated with different traits and behaviours, but it’s important to remember that dogs are all individuals and, like humans, have their own personalities and habits.”

Some dogs, like Poodles, have hypoallergenic coats, meaning that those with allergies should be able to live happily alongside them. The length of coat should also be considered, as longer haired dogs need more time – and money – invested into them when it comes to regular grooming.

2 Temperament

Different breeds have different temperaments. Some, like Labradors, are renowned for being very loving and friendly, whereas others, like Afghan Hounds, for example, may like to be left to their own devices from time to time. Although a lot of this is to do with upbringing, part of it is related to the breed and genetics.

3 Energy

The amount of energy your new pet has should depend on the amount of time you are able to dedicate to it. If you can only dedicate an hour of your time a day to walking, a breed like Springer Spaniels probably wouldn’t be suitable for you as they’re full of energy.

Similarly, if you plan to spend several hours of your day walking and looking after your pet, a couch potato breed which needs little exercise shouldn’t be chosen like Pugs or Lurchers.

4 Activities

There are certain breeds which have been reared to help with certain activities, such as Retrievers, which make great gun dogs. And if you’re after a guard dog, German Shepherds might be the breed for you. Looking into each breed and the traits that typically display will ensure you’re choosing a dog that fits into your daily routine or even one that helps with particular hobbies and lifestyles. Traditional breeds like Border Collies are normally the go-to for farmers who need to herd animals, for example.

5 Size

Larger dogs will need bigger gardens, bigger beds, and more food. The amount of energy a dog has can also make it seem bigger if it’s very bouncy. If buying a puppy, you must also take into account the size it will grow to. If you live in a small terrace with a postage stamp for a garden, a Great Dane probably wouldn’t suit.

6 Environment

Dogs that have high energy and need to run about in wide-open spaces, such as Greyhounds, won’t be suited for living in a city. Similarly, smaller dogs like Miniature Dachshunds may not be safe when living in a flat with a balcony or with open windows.